In my continued search for the best Bluetooth headset, I stumbled on the allways headset from Cardo Systems Inc. This unique Bluetooth headset is different than the rest because it not only clips to your ear like all other headsets, but also has an attachment that hooks directly to your eyeglasses.

When I first saw this design I thought that I would definitely NOT be interested in it for a number of reasons. First, how good would it sound considering that it wasn't positioned perfectly in my ear since it would be clipped to my eyeglasses? Second, by clipping it to my eyeglasses I'm basically telling the world that I'm a total geek. :)

A front picture of the headset. Notice that it looks like no other headset you've seen before.

I put my initial feelings away and fired the allways up. The instructions recommended that I first charge it fully for four hours before using it. Charging it is pretty impressive, too, as you plug the female end of the AC adapter into a plug on the headset that's actually concealed by a rubber flap when not in use.

Once charged I followed the simple instructions for pairing it. For this review I paired it to two phones: Nokia's 6860 and Orange's SPVe200 MS SmartPhone.

To pair the allways you press and hold the CTRL button (the grey piece with the logo) for at least 6 seconds until the LED starts rapidly flashing in blue (three flashes per second). You then you release the button and search for new Bluetooth devices from the phone.

Both phones found the name “All Ways” and then prompted me to enter the PIN code, which in this case is four zeroes. Nice and easy. After that you're ready to start using the headset.

Test with the Orange SPVe200 MS SmartPhoneI first tested the allways with the MS SmartPhone. When I dialed a phone number sometimes it would connect through the headset and other times it wouldn't. In addition, when a call ended I would usually have to hang up from the phone. I believe that these are specific operating system issues with the MS SmartPhone's Bluetooth stack, though, since I didn't have the same experience with the Nokia phone.

Test with Nokia 6860I dialed a number, just as I did above with the MS SmartPhone. The call connected and I could hear it through the headset instantly. In addition, when the call ended the phone properly terminated the call and no additional button pressing on the headset was required.

Functionality and DesignJust like all headsets, the allways is loaded with volume up and down controls, a microphone, a speaker, and some sort of way to initiate and terminate a call. However, it also has a dedicated Mute button (on top of the headset, next to the volume rocker) and designer panels (they change the CTRL button area) for full customization. The placement of the buttons is perfect for usage, with the ability to easily change the volume while on a call.

Eye/Sun-glasses clipAs I mentioned above, the eye/sunglasses clip is a new feature to Bluetooth headsets, and this one didn't disappoint–I've actually been using the allways as my primary Bluetooth headset in my car for a while now.

In order to attach the allways to your glasses, you push back a rubber piece, hook it over your glasses, and then release. The other side of the piece is plastic, so you're basically placing the arm of your glasses against rubber, thereby not scratching the finish.

Do I look geeky enough?

Ear LoopThe over-the-ear configuration works perfectly as well, but since I'm a glasses wearer I found the eyeglass clip more intriguing.

ConclusionMy only complaint about the allways is that when you turn it on it makes a very loud beeping noise. I made the mistake of turning it on once when it was in my ear and I definitely thought I was going to go deaf.

I highly recommend that you give the allways Bluetooth headset a try. Not only will it get you some strange stares, but it will also deliver a crystal clear conversation to your ears.

The allways Bluetooth headset is currently selling for US$79.99 at CardoWireless.com.

USER COMMENTS 23 comment(s)

Funny about cool/uncool factor(1:12pm EST Thu Sep 09 2004)I have those eyeglass strings to hang my sunglasses/glasses on my neck. If I put them on my sunglasses, they are cool. When I put those eyeglass strings on my glasses, they are uncool. Many of my friends agree with that comment. Wonder why?I wonder if this allways Bluetooth headset has that cool/uncool factor on sunglasses/glasses - by Seeing 20/20 now

allways Bluetooth Headset(2:33pm EST Thu Sep 09 2004)I really appreciate the concise and thorough evaluation. Many thanks, I am going to order one for my new (coming soon) Nokia 9500. - by JWintheSFBayArea

that does look dorky(2:36pm EST Thu Sep 09 2004)but i need a good bT headset, and as my vision is not afflicted, and I live in California, i can strap that to my sunglasses and look like a dork who thinks he is cool. but whatever… i need a headset, and my sunglasses rarely fall off. - by good lookin'

Review?(10:54pm EST Thu Sep 09 2004)How long is the battery life?How well did it sync with other devices?What other profiles does it support?How does the PocketPC => Headset connnection work for streaming audio?

Another question:I use Skype on my PC, I have a bluetooth dongle connected to my USB port.

Can I sync with this device to get it to work with the PC?Does it support multiple connections/pairings?- by Rug

Yuck(10:50am EST Fri Sep 10 2004)Man is that ugly! I can't believe anyone would want to walk in public with that dangling from an ear.It looks like some sort of medical life support doohicky….totally yuck - by Uhmmm

allways bluetooth headset(2:57pm EST Fri Sep 10 2004)Wow, what a statement! Just think you can change the faceplates to match your outfit. Now that is cool. Just imagine a nice pair of Armani sunglasses and the allways bluetooth headset. Cool! Cool! Cool! I am very impressed and am going out right now to get one. - by Jessica Simpson

professional perspective(3:03pm EST Fri Sep 10 2004)I Looooooove it!!! I have one and it is awesome! You will never find a headset like this. I highly recommend it! I am an attorney and everyone in court wants to know where they can get it. So stylish they say! I know! I am style! - by style hungry

allways BT headset(3:05pm EST Fri Sep 10 2004)I really believe that the people at Cardo are way in front of their competitors and have reinvented the BT headset and this allways headset is quite stylish. The eye and sun glass attachment is very clever and I think I can drive all the way from Maine to Florida without missing any telephone calls to my cell phone. - by Carl Olsen

Slightly Ahead of it's Time – Allways(3:12pm EST Fri Sep 10 2004)This Allways Bluetooh is pack with power and has a unique clip that attaches the headset to my sun glasses! There's no other BT headset available today that offers mute and redial functions and when I wear it on my glasses I really don't know I have it on, good job Cardo. - by Dr. D'Agostino – MD

The Future is with Allways(3:20pm EST Fri Sep 10 2004)I can't believe that a small company and a new player in the Bluetooth arena has designed a very unique and practical way to use their headset. Cardo Systems has leaped in front of some major players like Jabra and Motorola with their allways headset that offer a tremoundous value in terms of functionality and style. I think we'll see more of Cardo in the coming months. - by Prof. A. Scala

allways headset(3:23pm EST Fri Sep 10 2004)Its the coolest looking one around. I wear it on my sunglasses. Like to see a Star Trek logo on it. - by Art Kennedy

for christs sake.(5:25am EST Tue Sep 14 2004)what the hell is wrong with two discreet earphones on a cable.you can listen to the mp3's on your phone.. and they are not so heavy…don't need charging.and don't look as damn stupid as that montrosity..technology wise its like electric seats in a car..'the lever works.. but look with a mere 16 motors we have replaced the pulling of a lever and gentle pushing with your feet…' madness… madness I say.. your all .. well mad.. - by saneithinkiam

all-ways BT headset(5:35pm EST Wed Sep 15 2004)It looks cool, however the important part is that works great, as per your review. I want to know if it complies to the latest BT spec v1.2 or still the older v1.1. Can you find out? - by Rosbo

Sony HBH600(9:25am EST Fri Sep 17 2004)the coolest bt headset!

i use it with my SE K700i and it works great - by Amedeo

If you wear glasses all the time(6:18am EST Fri Sep 24 2004)the clip that attaches the headset to your glasses seems to make sence. Wearing glasses all the time and haveing a wireless ear pierce along with glasses is uncomptable. I hope others follow along this idea also.. ^)) - by Steve

MP3s too ?(7:44pm EST Fri Sep 24 2004)Can you listen to MP3s from a SmartPhone? I know of one BT eaphone that allows this but others says it is for phone calls only Does not process music.

digital843@aol.com - by John R.

Answers to Rug(3:33am EST Mon Sep 27 2004)Answers to Rug:How long is the battery life? up to 200 talk time, over a week stand by timeHow well did it sync with other devices?Excelent with all phones I checkedWhat other profiles does it support? Headset and Handsfree

If you have ever used one!(2:03pm EST Fri Jan 20 2006)If you have ever used the Bluetooth ear pieces you know how they hang on your ear until it's sore (particularly if you wear glasses) and are heavy to the point of flapping against your ear as you are walking. Now that is yuk!